Published on: 2026-07-21
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 21, 2026 Peace and Security
Despite ongoing security issues, severe economic conditions, and tensions between certain communities, Syria faces real opportunities for political transition and reconstruction. However, the success of this process will depend on whether the new state institutions can earn the trust of all Syrians.
This was stated on Tuesday at a Security Council meeting by Claudio Cordone, the Deputy Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Syria. He spoke from Damascus, where he has been holding meetings in July with representatives of the Syrian authorities, civil society, women’s organizations, as well as regional and international partners.
“Despite the challenges — evidenced by security incidents, economic difficulties, and unresolved tensions on the ground — Syria’s opportunities are real. To realize them, it is necessary to establish inclusive and accountable institutions capable of working for the benefit of all Syrians and building trust among the country’s various communities,” Cordone said.
Visit of the Secretary-General
A UN representative announced that this week António Guterres, the Secretary-General, will visit Syria at the invitation of the government. This will be his first visit to the country as head of the UN.
In Damascus, Guterres will meet with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani, and other government representatives. The visit will give the Secretary-General the opportunity to see firsthand both the prospects and the challenges of the country’s political transition and recovery, as well as the consequences of the years-long conflict. During the trip, he will personally hear from representatives of Syrian civil society, women’s organizations, and various communities. The Secretary-General will reaffirm the UN’s commitment to supporting the Syrian government and people at this decisive stage in the country’s history. He will also emphasize the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
Institutional changes
According to Cordone, important institutional changes took place in Syria in July. The President appointed the Supreme Constitutional Court, which consists of seven judges, including two women. A new People’s Council also began its work. It currently has 206 deputies representing various professional, public, and political circles. Among them are former opposition members, tribal leaders, entrepreneurs, former members of armed groups, as well as people who have experienced imprisonment and chemical attacks.
At the same time, the share of women in parliament is just over ten percent. The UN notes that many Syrians remain concerned about the insufficient representation of women and certain communities in the new authorities.
The People’s Council is to adopt regulations and then begin extensive legislative work. In the future, it should participate in the preparation of a permanent constitution and inclusive elections. Cordone emphasized that the most important condition for trust will be the real separation of powers and the independence of legislative and judicial institutions from the executive branch.
Northeast Syria
In the northeast of the country, the integration of military and security forces continues under the agreement from January 29. There is progress in the integration of the judicial system, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has become the first agency to complete the merger. At the same time, disagreements remain on a number of issues — command authorities, integration of Women’s Protection Units, managerial appointments, and natural resources management. According to Cordone, the parties’ expectations on many of these aspects diverge, but the process itself continues, which the UN welcomes.
Justice
Special attention at the meeting was paid to justice. In Syria, court proceedings against individuals associated with the former regime continue, and new verdicts have been issued in European courts in cases involving crimes committed during the conflict.
However, as emphasized by the UN, criminal proceedings are not enough. The country needs a comprehensive transitional justice mechanism that will include truth-seeking, reparations for victims, and institutional reform of state bodies. Such a process must cover violations committed by all parties, take into account the experiences of women and survivors of sexual violence, and contribute to restoring trust in the state.
The security situation
The situation in the country remains fragile. A year after serious human rights violations in As-Suwayda, the political deadlock remains as deep as before. At the end of June, clashes occurred between the Security Forces and the National Guard; although escalation into a wider conflict was avoided, the security situation continues to deteriorate.
According to available data, at least five people have died as a result of intercommunal violence, kidnappings and retaliatory attacks continue, and organized crime and drug trafficking remain an additional source of instability. In Damascus, explosions occurred in July, and terrorist groups are still trying to disrupt the transitional process. The UN also expresses deep concern over the ongoing Israeli military activity in southern Syria, including incursions, shelling, drone flights, and restrictions on the movement of civilians.
Economic situation
Signs of revitalization in international cooperation have appeared in the economic sector. However, Cordone warned that the success of new agreements will primarily be judged by whether they lead to an improvement in the lives of ordinary Syrians, who face high prices, unemployment, declining purchasing power, and limited access to essential services.
“The success of this transitional period will be judged not only by the institutions created but also by how they function,” said the UN representative. According to him, Syria needs a balanced and effective system of governance with full participation of women and all segments of society, further advancement of justice, and a real improvement in the daily lives of the population.
Humanitarian situation
Speaking at the same Security Council meeting on behalf of Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher, the Director of the Crisis Response Division of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Edem Vosornu, noted that since December 2024, about 1.7 million Syrian refugees have returned to their home areas and another 1.9 million internally displaced persons. However, 5.5 million people remain internally displaced within the country, and over six million Syrian refugees continue to live abroad.
“Returning home is not the finish line, but just the starting point,” Vosornu emphasized. “Every family that returns needs security, basic services, and confidence that they can stay.”
According to UN estimates, humanitarian aid is still needed for 15.6 million people — nearly two-thirds of Syria’s population. Millions of people face food shortages, lack a stable income, and have no access to clean water, medical care, or education.
According to Vosorn, today the main obstacles to people’s return are no longer only safety issues: equally important are the restoration of housing, paperwork, clearing debris, creating jobs, providing electricity to the population, as well as access to schools, medical facilities, and other basic services.
“Recovery is measured not by the number of people who have returned, but by whether they can stay, rebuild their lives, and live well thereafter,” she said.
The events in southern Syria cause particular concern at the UN. Ongoing incursions, movement restrictions, and unstable security conditions complicate the delivery of humanitarian aid and increase risks for civilians. In the southern regions of the country, about 80 percent of the population still require some form of assistance. The UN emphasized that humanitarian access must remain safe and unimpeded, and civilians must be protected.
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